The Iowa Wave: The College Football Tradition That Captivates Millions—Here’s Why It’s More Than Just a Gesture

This year’s first wave will take place when the Iowa Hawkeyes host the UAlbany Great Danes, this Saturday, August 30th, at 5 p.m. CT.

College football isn’t just a game—it’s a living, breathing spectacle drenched in tradition and meaning that grips the hearts of fans far and wide. When you step into Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on game day, you’re part of a community united by more than just the scoreboard. There’s a special moment that transcends sport, where every player, coach, and fan collectively turns toward the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Together, they share a wave with the youngsters watching from their windows—a heartwarming ritual known simply as the Iowa Wave. This isn’t some decades-old custom, yet it brims with an undeniable power and emotion that hits you in the gut, reminding us all why we love this game so much. And trust me, you don’t want to miss this year’s kickoff of the tradition when the Hawkeyes host the UAlbany Great Danes on August 30th. LEARN MOREThe tradition and pageantry are part of what makes the sport of college football so special and held so near and dear to so many people. It invokes emotion, personal ties, and gives fans everywhere something to cheer for.One of the best college football traditions resides in Iowa City and occurs every Iowa Hawkeyes home game inside Kinnick Stadium. That tradition is the Iowa Wave, which sees both teams and every fan in Kinnick Stadium turn towards the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave in unison to the children looking upon the stadium watching the game.

Not as old as some other college football traditions, the Iowa Wave packs just as much meaning into it every time it occurs.

Hawkeye Wave, Iowa: Not every cherished college football tradition goes back decades and decades. In 2017, those inside Kinnick Stadium — fans, players, coaches and officials — began “The Wave,” acknowledging the child patients inside University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, which is just across the street. After the first quarter, everyone turns toward the hospital, where the patients and their families wave from the 12th floor windows. The tradition began after Krista Young suggested the idea on a Hawkeye fan Facebook page. A social media surge followed and The Wave began for the start of the 2017 season — Rittenberg

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7The touching nature of the tradition has it among ESPN’s best college football traditions.The emotion that overcomes fans and the entire stadium is hard to describe, but it perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to be part of something bigger than yourself.